Project Archive
Here are some of the projects we've run in the past.
Recycle Warehouse
Fondly known as the 'tip shop' in Leamington, The Recycle Warehouse was a second hand goods shop and environmental information point, selling a wide variety of used items, all on offer at bargain prices. Action 21 ran the shop until the end of January 2011.
People were able to help both the environment and the local community by simply using the shop, whether they are bargain-hunting or donating something they no longer needed. The site helped Action 21 to divert over 600 tonnes of household goods from landfill, engage hundreds of local volunteers, and raise money for community projects.
But although we are no longer operating from this site, Action 21's re-use activities are still going strong at out Re-Useful Centre.
Food Co-ops
The food co-ops are now run by a special Community Interest Company www.swlocalfood.org.
Eating healthily and getting our 5-a-day is important for us all. But it’s also important to get our food in a way that’s healthy for the planet too.
Action 21 runs three food co-ops that supply affordable, fresh, seasonal, local (where possible, or British if not) fruit and vegetables to families in Warwick District, once a week, 50 weeks a year.
The food bags cost just £3.50 (or £2 for a smaller bag) and contain six vegetables and two fruits, with some potatoes, carrots and onions every week. We also take Healthy Start Vouchers.
Each week the co-op buys the food in bulk and volunteers pack it up for the members. There’s also a recipe sheet with suggestions of tasty things to cook with the food in the bag.
The co-op projects are run in partnership with Leamington Children’s Centres and are held at these places:
- Warwick: on Wednesdays at Hill Close Gardens (11am-12noon) or The Newburgh Centre (1pm-3pm)
- Lillington: on Thursdays at the Youth Centre (11.30am-12noon) or Lillington Children’s Centre (from 12noon)
- Sydenham: on Thursdays at the Sydni Centre (11.30-12pm) or Sydenham Children’s Centre (12.30-3pm)
How do I get food bags?
1) Come along to one of the co-ops
2) Fill in a membership form and pay for your first bag
3) You order and pay for your bag a week in advance
4) Pick up your food bag from your chosen co-op and enjoy!
Community Freebay
Community Freebay was initially a website run by Action 21 which allows people to give away and receive unwanted goods which would otherwise have been thrown away. The site currently saves nearly 100 tonnes of quality items per year from landfill sites. And it has put smiles on a lot of faces either by helping people clear out their garages and lofts, or helping others find something they really wanted. Have a look for yourself at www.communityfreebay.co.uk/
Walking for health
Action 21 promoted walking as a free, healthy, and environmentally friendly form of transport and exercise. We organised programmes of regular short ‘health walks’ open to the public in local beauty spots.
The health benefits include reduced instances of heart disease, diabetes and some cancers – in fact regular walking has a positive effect on up to 22 different chronic diseases and disorders. Also did you know that about ¼ of all car journeys are less than 2 miles in length? That’s around 30 minutes walk – so more people walking could really help reduce car use. You can now get involved via your local Age Concern branch.
Renewable energy club
Action 21 launched the Renewable Energy Club to provide a space for people to meet and discuss all things renewable. They still meet, under their own organisation, on the first Saturday in each month. You can find more about them on their website.
Warwickshire wind trials
See the Warwickshire Wind Trails website for more details.
Warwick cycle races
Lots of bicycles...lots of people...a lovely day out in Warwick. Read more about it: Warwick Cycle Races
Green column in the Courier
We had a regular column in Leamington's Courier, thanks to one of our dedicated volunteers. You can read some of the articles here.